30, August 2026

Assessment of Heavy Metal Tolerance and Detoxification Capacity of Microorganisms Isolated from Industrial Wastewater

VOLUME-12; ISSUE-8; AUG-2026

Author(s): 1 . Sushmita S. Pawar, 2. Neha K. Vishwakarma, 2. Manisha T. Pawar, 2. Neha N. Gavale, 2. Esha R. Borkar and 2. Sakshi D. Wangujar

Authors Affiliations:

1. Assistant Professor, 2. Students. Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Deogiri College, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – 431005, Maharashtra, India.

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202608017     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202608017


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Heavy metal pollution in industrial effluents poses a significant threat to environmental and public health due to the non-biodegradable and toxic nature of heavy metals. This study focuses on the isolation, screening, and characterization of heavy metal-tolerant microorganisms from industrial wastewater and evaluates their potential for bioremediation. Initial isolation from effluent samples was performed using the serial dilution and spread plate technique on Nutrient Agar, revealing a diverse microbial load. Screening against four heavy metals - zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) identified multiple resistant strains. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) studies further quantified these tolerances, with selected isolates exhibiting growth at concentrations as high as 1000 ppm, particularly for Copper and Zinc. A colorimetric metal reduction assay was developed using green tea extract as a complexing agent to monitor metal utilization. Time-course analysis demonstrated rapid reduction kinetics, with substantial metal removal occurring within the first 2 days. To validate the detoxification efficiency, the treated water was subjected to phytotoxicity assessments. These findings highlight the potential of these indigenous microbial isolates as effective, eco-friendly candidates for the bio restoration of metal-contaminated industrial sites.

Bioremediation, Heavy Metal Tolerance, Industrial Effluent, MIC, Green Tea Extract, Phytotoxicity

Sushmita S. Pawar,  Neha K. Vishwakarma,  Manisha T. Pawar,  Neha N. Gavale,  Esha R. Borkar and  Sakshi D. Wangujar (2026); Assessment of Heavy Metal Tolerance and Detoxification Capacity of Microorganisms Isolated from Industrial Wastewater,  International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-8, Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

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